The tradition of poetry of Kandesh can be traced back to 12th- 13th Century since the period of Saint Muktabai. Poetry of Kahdesh took an important turn in the second half of 19th Century. It is mentioned in the history of Marathi literature that epoch making poets like Keshavsut, B.S. Mardhekar, Madav Julian had stayed in Khandesh for some time. The poet of motherly heart, Sane guruji is the son of Khandeshi soil. Since then the poetry of Khandesh poetry includes the renowned poets like Baalkavi, D.A. Tiwari, Purushottam Patil, Raja Mahajan, Ganesh Chaudhari, V.R. Sonar, N.D. Mahanor, Bhalchndra Nemade, Sushil Pagaria, Uttam Kolgaonkar. The tradition reaches to the contemporary poets like, Manohar Jadhav, Ashok Kotwal, Prakash Kingaonkar, and many others.
The milestone in the history of poetry of Khandesh is the poetry of Bahinabai. Her poems have casted everlasting impression not only on the poetry of khandesh in particular but the modern Marathi poetry In general. This illiterate, hardworking village woman expressed the essence of her life through her poems. She has effectively delineated the culture of village life and the life of the farmers. At the same time she has depicted the philosophy of human life in simple words. Through her lines she has taught the wisdom of life.
To honour this rich tradition of poetry in Khandesh and the sensitive and creative poet like Bhanibai. Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University is establishing this study and research Centre.